Airlines say they’re preparing for the return of swine flu this fall but stop short of declaring they’ll bar passengers with symptoms from planes or give refunds for trips canceled because of the illness.

Rather than impose special measures to deal with the H1N1 virus, several U.S. carriers emphasize they’ll follow long-standing policies that permit them to keep an ill person from flying, whatever the sickness.

Some airlines say they’re waiting to see whether to offer refunds or waive rebooking fees for passengers who cannot fly because they are sick.